For example, bat wings are essentially very long, thin bones
that are homologous to the ones in human fingers.
Growth may be
uniform in the various
parts of an organism, The largest tree in the world is a
giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron
or it may be greater in giganteum) in California's Sequoia
some parts than in National Park. Called General
Sherman, the tree is about 52,500
others, causing the cubic feet (1,487 cubic meters) in
body proportions to volume.
change as growth
occurs.
D. Characteristics of Life
2. Organisms grow and develop
Living organisms develop
as well as grow
The sum of all the chemical activities of the organism is its metabolism.
When enough of a cell product has been made, its manufacture must
be decreased or turned off.
2. Animals are
heterotrophs.
As consumers, they
depend on producers for
their raw materials and
energy.
In contrast to the fungi,
most animals ingest their
food first and then digest
it inside the body, usually
within a digestive system.
E. Animal Characteristics
Animals are so diverse that for almost any definition,
we can find exceptions. However, the following
characters describe most animals:
3. Cells that make up the animal body are specialized
to Perform specific functions.
In all but the simplest animals, cells are organized to
form tissues, and tissues are organized to form organs.
In small animals with simple body plans, life processes
such as gas exchange, circulation of materials, and
waste disposal can take place by diffusion of gases
and other substances directly to and from the
environment.
In large, complex animals, specialized organ systems
have evolved that perform these life processes.
E. Animal Characteristics
Animals are so diverse that for almost any definition,
we can find exceptions. However, the following
characters describe most animals:
4. Animals have diverse
body plans.